For all the things mom does for us, she deserves a special celebration just for her this Mother’s Day. On May 8, take mom out for a special meal with a view. Across the country, you’ll find fine dining establishments located right in the heart of our nation’s national parks. At each restaurant, you’ll discover chef-prepared dishes and cozy surroundings featuring some of the best views that nature offers.
Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault
Located in northwestern Washington, you’ll find Lake Quinault Lodge, which has a historic dining room that serves up delicious dishes and stories of decades past. The Roosevelt Dining Room was named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited the lodge and dined onsite in the fall of 1937. The dining room bears his name and honors his memory because he was the president who signed a bill creating Olympic National Park.
Today, in the dining room, you can enjoy outstanding chef-created dishes. You can gaze out the large windows during your meal and take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding greenery.
Where to Stay: Lake Quinault Lodge
If you’re planning to treat mom to more than just a special meal, you can opt to stay the night at Lake Quinault Lodge.
A stay at the lodge gives you access to all that the area offers. You can relax the day away enjoying nearby nature, have the kids explore the Lake Quinault Lodge Game Room, or take the Quinault Rainforest Tour. Whatever your preference, Lake Quinault Lodge gives you a cozy, historic place to get away from it all and celebrate mom.
Rainbow Room
Located on the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is the perfect summer destination for those who love the water. To celebrate Mother’s Day, get a reservation for dinner at the Rainbow Room.
The modern dining room at the Rainbow Room offers views of the lake with the mountains in the background. With such a stunning setting, the food is the only thing that can top it. The Rainbow Room chefs pride themselves on producing modern dishes with a western flare.
Start your meal with a scrumptious avocado toast crostini, a piece of french bread topped with guacamole, pico, scrambled egg, cotija cheese, and salsa. You won’t want to miss either the pan seared salmon or the grilled NY strip steak for your main course.
Where to Stay: Lake Powell Resort
If you’re celebrating a mom who enjoys a little adventure, you might want to extend those celebrations past your meal. Lake Powell Resort is the perfect headquarters for adventure. A stay at the resort gives you access to the marina, boat rentals, water toys, hot tubs, a sauna, and a private beach.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room at Yosemite
When most people think about national parks, their mind immediately jumps to Yosemite. For a truly decadent and opulent Mother’s Day celebration, there’s nowhere but the Ahwahnee Dining Room. This historic space features sweeping 30-foot high ceilings with massive windows of the surrounding nature.
Be all gussied up and treat mom to a night out at the Ahwahnee Dining Room. Start with a chef-customized seasonal salad. Then, it’s time for the Brandt Ranch Roasted Prime Rib, which comes with natural jus and horseradish cream. You won’t miss the cakes, tarts, and chocolate delights for dessert.
Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee
The crown jewel of national park lodges is found in the heart of Yosemite. The Ahwahnee is well known for its stunning interior design and its views of the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Ahwahnee is the perfect place to settle in for a weekend away celebrating mom.
If you do decide to venture out and enjoy all that Yosemite has to offer, don’t miss the famous sites such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. You can go for a hike or book a guided tram tour.
All year long, mom supports her family members, and she deserves to be celebrated for that hard work. This year, on May 8, treat mom to a memorable getaway or some fine dining with the national park as a backdrop. Within the heart of many national parks, you’ll find a dining room featuring chef-created dishes worthy of mom.